Genre Studies

Social Realism

Introduction to Social Realism

Social realism is a genre of film that focuses on topical issues in a modern society which is represented by different ideologies. Themes such as money, drugs, prostitution and sex are quite usual in modern contemporary social realism films as well as class, religion and political views. These themes are very popular today but not all were involved in the early social realism storylines and films.

History
Early British cinema used the common social interaction found in the literary works of Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy. After World War I, the British middle-class generally responded to realism and restraint in cinema while the working class generally favoured Hollywood genre movies. Thus realism carried connotations of education and high seriousness. These social and aesthetic distinctions have become running themes; Social Realism is now associated with the art house auteur, while mainstream Hollywood films are shown at the multiplex.

Codes and conventions

Social realism films consists of location shooting and are not produced in the studio. They implement the use of wide shots, and use non-professional actors in order to make the plot and concept seem more realistic to the audience than if they used a well recognised actor. In addition to using nonprofessional actors, the use of semi-improvised scripts is also used to further connote that it is more gritty and lifelike than if the actors were to stick to the script which may not seem realistic and slightly forceful. Other themes include humour and seriousness, which shows the fluctuation and ups and downs of life and keeps it realistic. The erosion of regional identities is also a theme as is wider social issues which are explored through emotional and dramatic stories following an individual. Another common theme is triumph over adversity.

Notable Practitioners
Gordon Parks - Shaft Karel Reisz- Saturday Night and Saturday Morning Tony Richardson Momma Dont Allow James Williamson After The War Michael Balcon Ken Loach Sweet Sixteen Paul McGuigan Little Angels Darren Aronofsky- The Wrestler John Hillcoat The Road David Cronenberg Eastern Promises Gus Van Sant My Own Private Idaho Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - Biutiful

Examples
Kidulthood Billy Elliot The Full Monty Trainspotting This Is England Kes Sweet Sixteen Fish Tank